QA-20, 16 July 2022, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç, in Response to a Question Regarding Claims Which Relate to Türkiye in the United Kingdom Press With Reference to the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Liz Truss

Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 16.07.2022

There were news in the United Kingdom press that Elizabeth Truss, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs may demand an agreement with Türkiye similar to the agreement done with Rwanda on asylum partnership. We hope that these claims that were published in reference to Ms. Truss are baseless.

Türkiye is already hosting the largest number of refugees in the world for the last 8 years. It is therefore out of question for Türkiye to shoulder more burden or to be a part of an initiative, at third countries' request, that does not comply with international regulations on right to asylum. Türkiye will neither be a refugee camp nor a border guard for any country. Türkiye will in no circumstances take over third countries' international obligations. Besides, we had already shared our position publicly last year following similar news published on Afghan refugees.

Accordingly, we invite all countries to fulfill their international obligations and assume equal responsibility on migration issues.

Atatürk

Mehmet Fatih Ak Ambassador
Monday - Friday

09.00 - 12.30 / 14.00 - 18.00

1/26/2025 1/26/2025 Liberation Day
2/16/2025 2/16/2025 Archbishop Janani Luwum Day
3/8/2025 3/8/2025 International Women's Day
3/30/2025 3/30/2025 Eid al-Fitr
4/18/2025 4/18/2025 Good Friday
4/21/2025 4/21/2025 Easter Monday
5/1/2025 5/1/2025 1 May Labour Day
6/3/2025 6/3/2025 Martyr's Day
6/6/2025 6/6/2025 Eid al-Adha
10/9/2025 10/9/2025 Independence Day (9 October)
12/25/2025 12/25/2025 Christmas
12/26/2025 12/26/2025 Boxing Day
1/1/2026 1/1/2026 New Year